Konchesky joins Forest, Ricardo to Leicester

Nottingham Forest have strengthened their promotion push with the dual signing of Paul Konchesky and Robbie Findley on Monday.

The Championship side were busy as the January transfer window closed, securing left-back Konchesky on loan from Premier League club Liverpool.

The defender has found himself out of favour at Anfield after former manager Roy Hodgson was sacked and is looking forward to playing regular football again.

“I’m very excited about joining Forest. It’s a new challenge and a big challenge for me as well,” Konchesky said.

“It doesn’t bother me that I’m dropping down to the Championship because I just want to play football, that’s what I love doing.”

American international Findley has joined on a free transfer from MLS outfit Real Salt Lake on a two-and-a-half year deal and will bolster Forest’s strike-force.

Leicester City also produced a big-name capture, signing Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo.

Capped 79 times for his country, Ricardo joined on a free transfer after he was released from Spanish side Real Betis and his arrival has delighted Leicester boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

“I am delighted that we’ve been able to secure Ricardo on a permanent contract,” Eriksson said.

“He has impressed during his time at the club and brings extra competition to our goalkeeping department.”

Meanwhile, Bristol City announced the permanent signing of Martyn Woolford from Scunthorpe while Wolves and Republic of Ireland striker Andrew Keogh joined on loan until the end of the season.

Former Hull City captain Ian Ashbee joined Preston North End on a permanent deal, with his departure paving the way for Manchester United’s Cameron Stewart to sign with Hull after impressing on a loan spell.

Sheffield United signed Scottish defender Neill Collins from Yorkshire rivals Leeds United while Crystal Palace and Scunthorpe United also strengthened their back four, with Dean Moxey and Michael Nelson joining from Derby County and Norwich City respectively.

Moroccan midfielder Merouane Zemmama has joined Middlesbrough from Hibernian while Barnsley signed West Ham’s Frank Nouble on loan for the remainder of the season.